Oldbury Castle

A simple Bronze Age enclosure (1000BC) was extended and developed into a hill fort in the Iron Age (500-100BC) to its current size of 9ha. The hill fort is bivallate on most sides having two banks and ditches, however, the north western side has only one bank as it is built on top of a steep escarpment which provides defence. Survey work that was carried out in 1996 revealed up to 20 circular features thought to be the remains of Iron Age timber round houses within the hill fort. These features, together with archaeological finds of animal bones, pottery and a weaving comb, all provide evidence that it was inhabited over 2000 years ago. In the south west area there is evidence of disturbance which is likely to be that of quarrying for flint in the 18th and 19th centuries possibly for the turnpiking of the Bath Road. In time paths and banks get eroded by walkers and livestock, to prevent further deterioration these areas are repaired by packing in sterile chalk often with the help of the local volunteer group. Also part of maintenance of this scheduled monument is the control of rabbit numbers to ensure damage is kept to a minimum.